COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

For generations, Ahi Ezer Yeshiva has epitomized educational excellence in our community as it tirelessly works to transmit our Sephardic heritage. This year, the building is undergoing exciting renovations. Cheerful colors, a clean atmosphere, an elegant lunchroom, a brand new library and a modernized science lab are just some of the changes that students are enjoying.The yeshivah extends a special thank you to school administrator Jesse Mizrachi and board members, Bunny Escava, Aslan Bawabeh, Albert Ayal, and Eli Levy for their support of this project.

As children enter the Ahi Ezer Early Childhood Center, they embark on a journey of discovery through the world of Torah and General Studies. The Early Childhood program prides itself on its commitment to student achievement. Highly skilled teachers provide an atmosphere that is conducive to developing a strong sense of self and that encourages each child to attain academic and social success. A multi-sensory approach to education spans all content areas: Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Life Skills. Each child is empowered and challenged to meet his or her individual potential and develop a solid foundation for learning.

In warm and nurturing classrooms, Ahi Ezer Yeshivah children are immersed in an integrated program of both Limudei Hol and Limudei Kodesh. The love of Torah is highly valued, as is tefillah, misvot, middot, haggim, and Sephardic customs. During free time, preschool children enjoy socializing and playing in the outdoor state-of-the-art playground as well as the indoor gym.

Recently, the yeshivah hosted a spectacular Yom Haatzmaut celebration. Delicious barbecue was enjoyed on the front patio amidst proudly flown Israeli banners and flags. The children danced and rejoiced with their teachers and their smiles said it all. The school looks forward to its next special occasion!

Yeshivah of Flatbush High School Student Esther Harary Recognized in Congressional Art Competition

A big congratulations to Esther Harary, a Yeshivah of Flatbush High School student who was one of twenty-three runner-ups in a Congressional Art Competition. Her artwork will hang on the wall in Congressman Don Donovan’s office. The submissions were judged at a college in Staten Island and evaluated for visual impact, creativity, design and craftsmanship. Judges noted the passion that went into each painting, collage, and photograph and how difficult decisions were to reach. Esther, who took a selfie with Congressman Dan Donovan after receiving her award, should be very proud of her accomplishment!

Chief Justice Richard Bernstein Astounds Students at Hillel Yeshiva

Every morning, observant Jews all over the world begin their prayers by thanking Gd for their ability to see. Because Richard Bernstein has been blind from birth, he cannot include this part of the liturgy in his morning recitations. Richard, can, however, express his gratitude for having been able to build a vibrant and productive life. During his 41 years, he has filled his resume with jaw-dropping accomplishments: Richard is a triathlete, a lawyer,and a Michigan State Supreme Court Justice!

Because of his astounding story, The SAFE Foundation’s Project SAFE School Program brought Richard Bernstein to address close to 200 high school students at Hillel Yeshiva.

Richard spoke of the way society has changed in its treatment of those with disabilities. Fifty years ago, he said, those with disabilities were isolated, but now their strengths are integrated and valued in the workforce. He stated, “Last November, unequivocally, and with great enthusiasm, the state of Michigan showed that they want a severely disabled person not just to work amongst them, but to be their Supreme Court Justice and make decisions that are going to ultimately effect the rights they have and how they live.”

Richard believes his nomination shows that the people trust in someone who can understand struggle.

While he is a seasoned athlete, one of Richard’s main messages is that our physical bodies are delicate and are subject to breaking down, but our spirits can overcome those limitations and soar.

Beginning this summer, the F express train will be returning to Brooklyn! When theprogram is fully implemented in Fall 2017, F express service will run during every weekday rush hour from
Jay Street-MetroTech to Church Avenue in both directions. This will save riders in our neighborhoods as much as 15 minutes on their daily commutes.

The F is the longest local line in the entire city, with a commute time of well over an hour just to get to Manhattan for many people. Restoring this F express service is a first step toward addressing that problem and restoring transit equity to southern Brooklyn.

Readers can thank Councilman David Greenfield for this new development! Those who have questions about the F express, can call his office at (718) 853-2704.

Israel Guard Provides a Safe, Secure, and Perfect Vacation

Given the heightened securityrisks in the region, many people hesitate to use a GPS in Israel to navigate to unfamiliar destinations. Consider an alternative! Israel Guard provides professionally trained, English-speaking, courteous guards as escorts during your stay. They will respect your privacy at an affordable rate so you can maximize your time in Israel without ever feeling anxiety. Whether you require a guard for one day or for a full trip, Israel Guard is up to the task.

The company was established in order to fulfill the needs of individuals and families amidst these turbulent times. Its mission is to provide clients with the highest level of personal and professional security services.

Israel Guard is the brainchild of Efraim Fink of Teaneck, New Jersey. It all began duringa family trip to Israel to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Efraim’s son at the Kotel. The celebratory ten-day trip had been planned with meticulous attention to every detail. An exciting, enlightening and spiritually enriching itinerary had been forged, featuring visits to Israel’s holy and historical sites.

Yet despite his great joy and nachat, Efraim realized something was amiss. With ever increasing vigilance and growing concern, he found himself looking around and studying his surroundings, hoping to keep his family out of harm’s way, lest danger be lurking nearby. Compounding Efraim’s fears for his family’s safety were the newspapers he read daily, describing in detail yet another act of terror. Realizing it was incumbent for him to take responsibilityfor his family’s safety and well-being, Efraim sought a solution to his travel safety concerns. Thus the concept of Israel Guard was born.

Spurred to action, Efraim returned to Israel and researched the available options. Much to his surprise, he discovered very few that existed. Ultimately, he was able to sign a contract with the largest security provider in Israel, the same provider that handles security for Israeli diplomats. They agreed to open a new service, providing security to visiting Americans.

Now people can visit Israel and enjoy peace of mind, secure in the knowledge that, with Hashem’s help, they and their loved ones will be well protected. Each Israel Guard is a consummate professional. Fully trained and licensed, they can also serve in the capacity of driver.

For further information please call 888.870.0004 or email info@israelguard.com.

Lottie’s Kitchen:
Providing Badly-Needed Nourishment to Patients and their Families

Hospitals are filled with family members who have suddenly been catapulted out of their comfort zone and thrust into a nightmare of fear. They spend hours with their loved one, the patient, never even noticing their own needs. Until Lottie’s Kitchen interrupts the proceedings. A sympathetic volunteer arrives at the door bearing a mouth-watering, hot meal. The caregiver, who hadn’t even realized until that moment that he was fasting, is revived like a drooping flower after a heavy rain. Revitalized now, the family member is able to, once again, care for the patient who is depending on him.

One evening, Yaakov receives a routine call asking for a contribution to Ezer Mizion’s Lottie’s Kitchen. As usual, he gives a large donation and promptly forgets about the call – until the next day, when his son takes a tumble. Ambulance sirens. A scary X-ray machine. And finally the doctor’s serious face. The leg is badly broken. Lunch? Supper? These are not on Yaakov’s radar at all – until a Lottie’s Kitchen volunteer brings him a meal and he begins to cry. “I just gave a donation last night. But I never realized what it meant to be alone in the hospital, scared and weak with hunger. It’s really true that everything you do comes back to you. It’s really true!”

Two other sets of parents look on in wonder.

“Were the meals ordered from a take-out place?” they whisper to each other.

“They’re so nice looking. Probably expensive.”

“You’re so worn out. Maybe we can get one just for you.”

“We have so many medical expenses now. We can’t afford it.”

To the couples’ astonishment, meals magically appear for them, too, and their names are added to the daily Lottie’s Kitchen roster.

“Magic” doesn’t really happen magically. It happens because of all of you who have supported Lottie’s Kitchen. Each year, 81,600 hot meals, 83,200 sandwiches and 13,000 slices of cake are delivered to hospital wards, ERs and patients’ homes. Our files are filled with thank-you notes that rightly belong to you. Each year, thousands say, “We never could have made it through without Lottie’s Kitchen.”

This year’s event will be held on July 7 at the exquisite home of Frieda & Joey Franco. See you there!